From isolated sanctuaries in the heart of the rocky mountains to the most visited sites in bustling cities, Iran embraces inspiring centers of worship that draw devotees from all around the world. Here is a list of six must-see religious attractions in Iran:
Holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS)
With millions of visitors per year, the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad is one of the most important attractions of Iran.
Historical data suggest that the shrine complex has been developed at different stages of time according to the needs of the people and rituals associated with the holy site. Moreover, the structure, design concepts, forms, material, tangible and intangible aspects, morphology, entering circumstances, praying rites, and the spirit of the complex retained its authenticity and integrity the whole time and with the legal and religious support of authorities and people.
Considering its cultural, historical, and architectural aspects, as mentioned by UNESCO, the shrine complex could be comparable with several other religious complexes such as “Saint Peter’s Tomb” in the Vatican, “Mahabodhi Temple” in India, “Mount Emei” in China, and “Lumbini” in Nepal.
Towers of Silence
The enigmatic Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are set on two lonely, barren hilltops on the southern outskirts of Yazd in central Iran.
According to a tradition dating back over 3,000 years, dead bodies were left on top of those open towers–which are also called Dakhmas — to be slowly disengaged or picked apart by desert vultures.
Under ancient Zoroastrian beliefs about the purity of the Earth, dead bodies were not buried but left in these uncovered stone towers so that vultures could pick the bones clean.
Narratives say that men’s corpses were placed in the outer circle, while women’s were left in the middle, and children in the inner-most ring. Bodies were then left until their bones were bleached by the elements and stripped by the vultures.
After the process of purification, bones were placed in ossuaries near, or inside the towers. Ossuaries from these rituals have been discovered from the 4th and 5th centuries BC.
At the foot of the hills are several other abandoned Zoroastrian buildings, including a defunct well, a cistern, a kitchen, and a lavatory.
As Iran developed and urbanized, Dakhmas became increasingly closer to city limits, severely curtailing their use. Since the 1970s, the use of Dakhmas has been illegal in Iran, forcing orthodox Zoroastrians to adapt to new burial methods.
Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are currently one of the famed travel destinations of Yazd, which is a cradle of Zoroastrianism. In July 2017, the historical texture of the city of Yazd was named a UNESCO World Heritage.
Nasir al-Molk Mosque
One of the most photographed mosques in southern Iran, Nasir al-Molk, is probably the first image travelers conjure up when it comes to gorgeous mosques.
Also known as the Pink mosque, the place of worship embraces arrays of delicate mirror work and stuccowork, which are interwoven with arabesque designs and tile work. It is filled with carved pillars and lavishly created polychrome faience, and the prayer hall appears gorgeous when it is lit up through the vast stained-glass windows.
In case one is willing to get shots, it is usually recommended to come as early as possible in the morning to picture the prayer hall when it is lit up through the colorful glass frames.
The exterior is covered with an array of colorful painted tiles while the beautiful stained glass forms an enchanting kaleidoscope effect on the interior that is echoed by more colorful tiles and the impressive Persian rugs covering the floor!
The mosque is named after the Qajar-era merchant Mirza Hasan Ali (Nasir al-Molk) who ordered its construction in close collaboration with designer Mohammad Hasan-e Memar and architect Mohammadreza Kashisaz Shirazi.
Vank Cathedral
Constructed in the first half of the 17th century, with the encouragement of the Safavid rulers, Kelisa-ye (the Cathedral of) Vank is a historic focal point of the Armenian Church in Iran. The cathedral is widely referred to as an endless masterpiece of architecture, as it harmoniously blends Islamic motifs and elements with those of Armenian traditions.
The cathedral has a domed sanctuary, looking a lot like Iranian mosques, but a semi-octagonal apse and raised chancel make it Western-looking. Vank means “monastery” or “convent” in the Armenian language.
The construction is said to begin in 1606, with the first arrivals being completed with major alterations to design between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David. Hundreds of Armenians, who migrated to Isfahan during the Ottoman–Safavid War (1603–18), contributed to the cathedral being completed.
The Armenian quarter of Isfahan dates from the time of Shah Abbas I, who transported a colony of Christians from the town of Jolfa (now on Iran’s northern border) en masse, and named the village ‘New Jolfa’. Shah Abbas sought their skills as merchants, entrepreneurs, and artists and he ensured that their religious freedom was respected–albeit at a distance from the city’s Islamic center.
Shah Cheragh
The stunning shrine of Shah Cheragh is a major tourist destination and pilgrimage site in the ancient city of Shiraz, southern Iran.
The shrine is where Sayyed Mir Ahmad, one of the brothers of Imam Reza (AS), is laid to rest. Each day, it draws hundreds of faithful sightseers from all over the world.
It boasts architectural elements and motifs from various centuries and its courtyard and telework represent relatively modern embellishments from the late-Qajar period. Its blue-tiled dome is flanked by dazzling gold-tipped minarets.
Inside its great chamber of worship, giant chandeliers hang like frozen rain, smaller green lamps jut from the walls and stained-glass windows shine from on high, emitting light that sparkles off countless jewels and shards of glass.
The mausoleum has undergone various restoration projects over time. It was registered on the National Heritage list in 1939. There is also a modest museum in the northwestern corner of the courtyard, next to the shrine, which showcases shrine-related objects, including some ancient copies of the Holy Quran. Non-Muslim guests will be matched up with an English-speaking guide on arrival. Women must wear a chador (open cloaks that leave the face exposed) within the whole shrine complex, available for free at the women’s entrance.
The name “Shah Cheragh” roughly translates to “King of the Light” in Persian.
Jamkaran Mosque
Jamkaran Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that celebrates Persian art in every corner, as its blue and green domes with minarets decorated with Persian tiles stand out vividly against the clear sky.
The mosque is an important pilgrim center for Shia Muslims who are followers of the Twelve Imams. A sea of humanity greets you particularly on Tuesday evenings when special prayers and salutations are offered to Imam Mahdi (AS), the twelfth Imam of the Shia Muslims. |
